SRINAGAR, May 20: – In a significant development that could reshape the political landscape of the Union Territory, a large number of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) workers and grassroots-level leaders of other parties, trade leaders and social activists formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today.
The joining event, held at the Municipal Park Jawahar Nagar, saw a high-profile presence of the BJP’s top leadership. The inductees were welcomed into the party fold by senior leaders, including General Secretary Organisation Ashok Koul, General Secretary Anwar Khan, Chairperson Waqf Board Dr. Darakshan Andrabi state Secretary mudasir wani and Arif Raja, and other dignitaries including party young leaders Altaf Thakur,Danish Bhat, Khalid Rathore, alongside other prominent party functionaries.
The defection represents a notable transition, particularly as it involves local-level organisers and cadre from the National Conference, a party currently leading the government in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Political observers suggest that this influx of grassroots workers provides the BJP with a renewed opportunity to strengthen its organisational footprint in the region, particularly in areas where the NC has traditionally maintained a stronghold.
Addressing the gathering, BJP leaders emphasized that the “growing trust” in the national policies of the BJP and the developmental agenda for the Union Territory served as the primary catalyst for the mass defection. Senior party figures expressed optimism regarding the expansion, characterizing it as a reflection of the changing political mood in the valley.
Ashok Koul, welcoming the new members, emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusive development. “The BJP’s doors are open to everyone who believes in the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and developed Jammu and Kashmir. Our focus remains on the ground-level welfare of our people, and these new members are a testament to the fact that the youth and workers are now choosing the path of progress over dynastic politics,” Koul stated.
Anwar Khan, highlighted the shifting loyalties at the grassroots level. “For years, the people were kept in the dark by those who prioritized their own interests over the region’s development. Today, seeing these local leaders join us shows that the common man is ready to embrace a transparent, nationalist, and performance-driven governance model,” he noted.
Dr. Darakshan Andrabi, lauded the courage of the new entrants in choosing the BJP’s ideology. “This is a historic moment for the party in the valley. The entry of these dedicated workers reflects a growing realisation among the people that only the BJP truly represents the aspirations of a modern, empowered Jammu and Kashmir. We are not just adding numbers; we are adding strength to our mission to serve every citizen of this UT,” she added.
During the ceremony, senior party leadership formally inducted the new members, pinning the party scarf and badge on them. The newly joined members stated that they were disillusioned with their previous party’s trajectory and were drawn to the BJP’s focus on governance and the socio-economic transformation of the region. The event concluded with a formal pledge by the new members to uphold the party’s constitution and contribute to its mission in the Kashmir valley.
